Nikon updates entry-level DSLR with 24MP D3200 and optional WiFi

Nikon has announced the D3200 24MP entry-level DSLR that can be used with an optional WU-1a Wi-Fi module. The camera can now shoot up to 1080p30 video (rather than the D3100's 24p) and has a 920k dot LCD, up from 230k dots. Beyond this, and improved continuous shoot rate despite the pixel-count hike, the biggest change is the ability to add the Wi-Fi unit. The WU-1a will sell for a recommended sale price of $59.95/£54.99/€59 and will be able to broadcast to smartphones over a 49ft range. The D3200 is expected in late April at an MSRP of $699.95/£649.99/€699.

The WU-1a will be available from May and will initially support image upload and remote viewing/shutter release with a free app for Android phones (version 2.3 and newer). An iOS version of the app will follow later in the year. Details are vague but we're told the app allows full-sized or VGA images to be transferred from the camera and that a live preview is available on the phone, but with only the ability to fire the trigger, not change camera settings.

SIMPLY STUNNING: THE NEW NIKON D3200 IS THE SIMPLE WAY TO CHRONICLE MEMORIES WITH SUPERIOR IMAGE AND HD VIDEO QUALITY

The Nikon D3200 Provides New D-SLR Shooters a Powerful Combination of Effortless Operation, 24.2-Megapixel High Resolution and Wireless Connectivity to Mobile Devices

MELVILLE, N.Y. (APRIL 19, 2012) – Today, imaging leader Nikon Inc. introduced the new 24.2-megapixel Nikon D3200 HD-SLR; a camera designed for photo enthusiasts ready to step up to a D-SLR or for the busy family memory keeper with an active lifestyle who demands a camera that can keep pace. From low-light to fast action, the D3200 delivers the amazing image quality Nikon is known for, either indoors or outside. Whether new to photography or upgrading from a point-and-shoot, the D3200 features Nikon's acclaimed instructive Guide Mode to help unleash the photographer in everyone. From candid action shots to staged portraits that flatter, the Nikon D3200 provides the power to capture every moment easily and beautifully with stellar image quality and in stunning Full HD (1080p) video.

Ready to tag along for any outing, the Nikon D3200's compact, lightweight body makes it easy to pack for a quick day trip or the long haul. A host of advanced features, including a super high resolution 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, Full HD (1080p) video recording with full time autofocus (AF) and 4 frames-per-second (fps) high-speed continuous shooting mode, prepare the D3200 for challenging lighting conditions and fast paced action. Also, Nikon D3200 users will be able to take advantage of the new WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter. When connected to the camera, this optional adapter can wirelessly send images to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, preview an image before shooting and control the camera remotely.

"When every moment is as precious as the next one, having a camera that takes the guesswork out of photography is important," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "The Nikon D3200 HD-SLR offers effortless functionality and easy-to-use connectivity to mobile devices that answers the call for a capable, entry-level D-SLR that will change how you share amazing images with your friends and family."

Stunning Images to Last a Lifetime

The new Nikon D3200 delivers outstanding image quality no matter the user's skill level by leveraging Nikon's renowned technologies. The new 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor allows for incredibly sharp images with stunning detail and less noise, while Nikon's EXPEED 3™ image processing engine helps to create clear, lifelike images and video with vivid colors, smooth tonal gradations and low noise. The Nikon D3200 grants users impressive performance in low-light, affording the ability to shoot with assurance even during night games and school plays. With a native ISO range that extends from ISO 100 to 6400, the D3200 can also be expanded to a high of ISO 12,800 for extreme low-light situations resulting in previously impossible photos. Additionally, Nikon's Scene Recognition System works in tandem with the camera's 3D Color Matrix Metering II to recognize factors such as color and brightness for balanced exposures, accurate AF, faithful white balance and beautiful flash photos.

Effortless Operation

Beginner photographers as well as those looking to expand their repertoire of shooting techniques will appreciate the Nikon D3200's Guide Mode which provides step-by-step photo instructions to capture amazing images. Easily accessible through the Mode Dial found on top of the camera body, the Guide Mode walks beginning D-SLR users through the process of set-up, shooting, viewing and deleting images. Because it asks the user what kind of creative photo technique they would like to learn, the Guide Mode has been widely acclaimed for its ability to build confidence and give users the tools to create amazing images. As more people discover the benefits of replacing their camcorder with a D-SLR, the Guide Mode also walks users through the best video settings to create home movies with blockbuster flair. For those with a more advanced skill level, the Guide Mode features helpful Assist Images that serve as a visual reference to inspire users and illustrate the desired result, while guiding them through easy-to-follow techniques.

Further taking the guesswork out of photography, the D3200 also includes six Scene Modes. Photographers can set the Mode Dial to Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-Up or Night Portrait, and the D3200 will automatically adjust camera settings for optimal results in a variety of conditions.

Beautiful Home Movies in Full HD

When images alone can't tell the whole story, the Nikon D3200 offers the full HD experience of high quality 1080p video. Users can create memorable, cinematic quality videos at 24 or 30 fps and easily share HD content online with friends and family or on their own HDTV via the HDMI output.

Continuing down the path that its predecessor, the Nikon D3100, started, the D3200 implements full-time AF during video recording to help capture crisp video even during the most action-packed situations. To boost the production value of any home video, the camera offers manual or automatic exposure control, and a stereo microphone input to attach an optional external microphone such as the compact ME-1 Stereo Microphone. Furthermore, the D3200 offers other HD-SLR advantages including the ability to create a shallow depth of field, amazing low-light video performance and NIKKOR lens versatility.

Capturing videos on the D3200 is simple, even when in Live View. With a dedicated video record button and easy access to the Live View switch, users can capture video clips before the moment is gone. Additionally, videos play with astonishing detail and clarity on the D3200's 3-inch, high resolution 921,000-dot LCD screen.

A Camera to Keep Pace with an Energetic Existence

An active lifestyle requires a capable camera that is ready at a moment's notice, and the Nikon D3200 packs powerful technology to tackle just about any challenge. Delivering up to 4 fps in high-speed continuous shooting mode, the D3200 helps ensure that important, spontaneous and easy-to-miss memories are captured, from a baby's first smile to a game winning grand slam. Additionally, the D3200's advanced 11-point AF system allows the user to find and keep focus while maintaining a clear view of that subject. This advanced focusing system is ideal for capturing tricky subjects like a dancer mid-leap during the big recital or a dive for the line drive in centerfield.

The Nikon D3200's power is amplified when combined with the versatility of Nikon's legendary NIKKOR optics and powerful accessories. Compatible with Nikon's dedicated DX-format lenses and over 50 FX-format lenses as well as Nikon's Speedlight System, the Nikon D3200 puts creativity at the user's fingertips. The optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter for the D3200 allows the connected user to easily share photos taken on the D3200 to an Android™ platform based smartphone or tablet, so friends and family can enjoy the moment almost as quickly as it happens.1 Android platform users are able to wirelessly transfer images from the camera to a mobile device, preview the image before shooting photos, and even remotely control the camera from up to 49 feet. The Application for use with an Android platform smartphone (2.3 series) and tablet (3.x series) is expected for release in May 2012.2 Additionally, an Application for the iPhone® and iPad® mobile digital device is expected for release in Fall 2012.3

Price and Availability

The Nikon D3200 outfit with the versatile AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens will be available in late April 2012 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $699.95* in either Black or Red. The optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter, sold separately, will be available in late May 2012 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $59.95*. For more information on the Nikon D3200, NIKKOR lenses, additional Nikon D-SLR cameras and accessories, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Frame rates of 30p (actual frame rate 29.97 fps) and 60p (actual frame rate 59.94 fps) are available when NTSC is selected for video mode; 25p and 50p are available when PAL is selected for video mode; Actual frame rate when 24p is selected is 23.976 fps

It's a fine knock-about camera. The 24 MP sensor may seem gratuitous but with truly sharp lenses it actually serves a purpose: It can still out-resolve a sharp lens. There are alt lenses that'll fit on a Nikon body (with an adapter) that are well served by this wee DSLR (just not Tamrons or Vivitars).

Also, lacking an AF drive, it can safely take vintage Nikkor glass going back before 1977 (non-AI, but no body/mount incompatibility). I have one from 1972 & another from 1968, beautiful portrait lenses (not sharp, but render beautifully).

I read some of your comments and I can tell you who this camera is for. It is for me I have reviewed a bunch of these things and although I am not a pro like you guys I like to take pictures of my kid playing baseball or at the beach. I have a casio exilim ef-25 takes 40 frames a second and video up to 1000 frames a second, Takes great pictures but I can't change the lens.This seemes like a great camera at a great price so thats who buy's it. it's a toy, you guy's can have the 2000.00 + cameras.

Just to be clear check out my website www.beautifulnewzealandphotography.com........I have had "pros" tell me that wow!! how did you get that definition and bring out the seaweed in that coastal shot and I told them actually I busted my 6x6 and used a crappy point and shoot kodak 7mp..they didn't beleive me!!.....I have a saying for these people "all the gear no idea" ...I been photographing for 20 years people think I am a pro....I do not...I think I am a passionate hobbyist but you can't say that on your website!!not if you wish to sell your work anyway!!......like anything.. your craft is a lifetime commitment...always learning...till the day I die and that is the way it is!!....so argue aperture and mp and sensor size and frame rate...I would rather go take a photo!!...hope you all had a good xmas!..

I just got one of these puppies and jury still out on sensor issues and the New User debate ....over mega pixels frame rates etc etc....well I live in New Zealand and I heard that only 12% of people print there photos.....so argument over....most people keep photos on there hard drives in there computers and these "Elite Pro Photographers" argue medium format The Hasselblad or Leiv using digital backs and spending thousands on lenses how many have had exhibitions and sold?..well I have... my first exhibition (mostly a crappy Olympus e-520) sold 9 out of 13 images....people like what they like and you can argue what a crappy camera..well I used it in Theatre and Weddings no one complained about quality or frame rates...its school yard egos..get over yourselves...I do agree however GLASS IS MOST IMPORTANT I was using a russian Kiev medium fiormat camera 6x6 lens with an adapter on the "crappy" Oly e 520 got some stunning photos ...but some people CAN"T and WON"T be told...there loss...

I just received mine. It’s small, it’s light and the Auto WB is extremely accurate. It nails most ambient light perfectly (even in a school cafeteria). This is the camera to take with you on a hike. Put whatever lens on it you want, put it in a hip pouch and go. It’s also the camera to take with you on a family trip, or a kid’s soccer match or school play. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner, it’s an easy choice because of the price. The kit lens is all many people will need IMHO. The IQ is excellent, although the NEF files aren’t the best. You can always switch to M mode and take complete control of your exposure options. I like that Nikon included a +/- accessible next to the shutter release. Haven’t made a video yet.

This comments are familiar, I have heard them in new versions since I got my papers in late 1964. The question is if you are trying to make a picture your equipment are not up to, you may need something better, but not as a rule... What I may not be able to do digitally I may prefer to make on 4x5" film with my Linhof Teknika or even the Speed, and in the middle I may use a 6x6 cm roll-film-camera or one of the Edixa 24x36 - 135 film cameras with removable pentaprism.All have some of the most excellent lenses ever made. Now a Nikon D3100...

In short: Things are getting better in many ways, but do that guarantee us that we are taking better pictures then...?

Here we go again with your MILC is superior than basic DSLR statement. I have told you below that the most advanced MILC cannot and will never match the most basic entry level DSLR performance-wise. Why don't you provide arguments why we should choose MILC over DSLR's? To answer your question who this is suited for? Mom's and Pops who likes to crop the heck out of every photos, DSLR users who want to travel light and newbies in the DSLR world.

DSLRs are a better option if you're a mom/dad who wants to take pictures of moving kids/pets. (DSLRs focus faster than mirrorless cameras.) DSLRs are a better option if you want a built-in viewfinder at an affordable price. (With Sony NEX, you have to pay $1349.99 to get their model that includes a built-in viewfinder, the NEX-7. In addition to working better in sunny conditions, built-in viewfinders allow you to stabilize the camera with your face, reducing the chance of blurry photos.) Olympus PENs have mediocre sensors, so they aren't a particularly attractive option. 24MP is overkill, but it should be good for people who want to do a lot of cropping.

Nope, mirorless cameras are much better for moms&dads, lighter, smaller, better IQ, and camera sales clearly indicate that, despite the fact that they cost more than comparable DSLRs. Regarding the technical points mentioned here, they are not based on facts. Panasonic m4/3 would focus in a split second, absolutely dead on target in every but very dim conditions. It's a fact. I've used Canon DSLRs for many years, front-, back-, mis-focusing, lens hunting are very common issues. Precision of contrast-based AF is much better than phase-based. High end DSLRs do have an advantage focusing in low light and fast moving objects, mirorrless haven't covered that segments yet. Regarding viewfinder, modern EVFs are a lot better than any optical VF on Nikon or Canon - brighter, more precise, with a lot of useful information, only worse in low light. The sensors in MILs are very high quality, all latest Panasonic/Olympus/Sony sensors have superb IQ, no wonder Nikon buying sensors from Sony.

Totally agree with forpetessake. My GH2 focuses faster than my previous Nikon D5000 and my previous Canon 550D in S-AF mode. Its lighter, IQ is just as good in most situations, smaller lenses, etc. Makes more sense than entry DSLR for Mom & Pop. Where DSLRs shine are at the high end, the FF cams. Not the APS-C. Just look at the new Oly E-M5. IQ is just as good as DSLRs, its faster, more responsive, weathersealed, lighter. Those who have never used MILCs shouldnt comment.

@forpettesake...good god, I just hope I didn't read what you just said. You said you used to shoot DSLR's and you make all these gibberish DSLR statements??? In very bright situation, a POS camera will match af with any DSLR anytime anyplace but in low light, I guarantee you, DSLR will beat MILC by a mile. If want to discuss sensors, check out DXOMark..why is a 3 year old DSLR D3000 have a better score than the J1 which was just released LAST YEAR??? Again, performance and ergonomics in DSLR's are more advance. So what if Nikon buys sensor from Sony? Honda bought Toyota's engine blueprint on all their hybrids. That doesn't mean they don't know what they are doing. They know their limitations and know where they are good at.

@ forpeetssake.Annie liebowitz shot all the background scenes for the Lavazza calender with a canon compact.then printed them so big it was used as a background drop at the actual studio shooting .guess what, they make all those cameras for people who are gonna buy it and use it according to their needs. hope am not too fast for you.

I browsed someones work and its nothing special, its just like point and shoot photo taken with an expensive gear. I can say photo quality is good because of good camera specs.I aslo saw some work of photographers shooting with the old Nikon D40 camera but the results have the wow factor. :-)

I'm just a photography beginner in the sense that there is a lifetime road to travel ahead.

Non sequitur!Though technology doesn't create a talent, it does help it to thrive. A talented person more than anybody else would know the limitations of the equipment and more than anybody else would benefit from the technological improvements. But even a mediocrity can produce a better c**p with better equipment. So technological advances is always a boon.

I have nothing against the rich amateurs collecting expensive gears, but thats how the way it will be. They will stay as amateurs and not as artist. I'm also an amateur collecting gears, but at the least I maximize the technology of whats in my hand and learning to produce pictures. I admit that I haven't had the chance to maximize the potentials of my camera. There is more to photography than just having new gears.Try to recreate Ansel Adams work with today's technology. His Photography is a work of art.

Another artist is Annie Leibovitz, she uses Canon, Nikon, Mamiya, Hasselblad systems but when she produce pictures, it does not come with the Camera Brand. So for the Nikon-Canon debaters, go out and produce pictures.

People need to stop saying that camera specs aren't important, that is the pure BS! if it wasn't important we'd all be using phone cameras and all of the camera manufacturers would be out of business. We are here for the technology, we discuss it, use it, love it. It makes our lifes easier and better every time they improve some aspect of it. Painters should stay out of internet and go paint something.

BTW, good painters use premium brashes to create works of art. If you are talking about people who paint with their tits and penises, then you're right, those people don't need any special equipment! :)))

Yes I agree, higher iso noise resistance for example makes evening photography MUCH easier & when focus systems are improved it makes life a hell of a lot easier.Micro four thirds have made for example Street photography easier for compact users and users in general which don't like to pack big. And honestly? If I were not in micro four thirds right now & actually had a job, I would get this camera for portrait & street because I could crop quite a bit.

Vladik: You are absolutely right. Of course, if you're shooting snapshots to view at 800x600 max, or in wallet-sized photos, it doesn't matter what you use. Too many people assume that everyone wants to limit themselves to this low standard. Try shooting action shots of an osprey diving and grabbing a fish 200-300 yards away--with your cell phone. Try getting a high-resolution picture of a surfer, in bad light, who is half a mile out on a wave--with your low-end P&S. Then try to look at the picture and guess what it is. It's silly to say that equipment doesn't matter. If it didn't, then all the great photographers from Matthew Brady and Ansel Adams on would always use simple box pinhole cameras. Even the pioneers of photography toted the best equipment they could get their hands on. Because it helped them take better pictures.

A photographer's skill is not defined by the camera specs, go out there and create pictures instead of debating on which brand is better. A painter cannot be good because of the brush or media he uses. The painter creates paintings and art, just like a photographer.For those of you who rely on camera specs and brand, try to give yourselves a different perspective. "The person behind the camera viewfinder is the one who creates the photo and not the camera".

Micarr, totally agree with you. I've always painted, made my living from it for some time & many years ago sold my first picture ( a drawing ) that was done on a thin bit of paper, using a pretty 2nd grade pencil. I sold many more produced like this becuase I simply used what I could and was almost going to say didn't know any better..! Truth is, I wasn't that concerned & it wasn't so much any limitation offered by the tools as I managed well enough. Maybe some of these drawings would've been better on high-quality paper, drawn with high grade graphite, but I doubt it, because the tools, while basic, were good enough and it was the drawing that counted, not the means of expressing it.I can transpose this to photography and imagine getting a Hasselblad while having the photo skills of a gibbon. Obviously I'd still produce rubbish.The new wonder - cameras are accessible and seductive; but, lovely as they are, they don't make us good photographers - we have to learn that.

Im a nikon user, but to all those that say my *** is bigger than yours... just shoot pictures. It doesnt matter what you use. If one is talented, can shoot great shots with an iPhone. so stop with this "my *** is bigger than yours" like little kids and go out and shoot pictures. the reality is that these days, there are no bad cameras.

For this reason, I have moved back to large format and film. concentrate on the art of photography, rather than camera specs.

But... but... film doesn't even have an LCD this is blastphemy! ;)Just kidding but yea the camera doesn't matter as much as the photographer however it DOES matter how good your camera is but not how big it is.

You can be a great photographer with a bad camera or a bad photographer with a great camera and get worse results than the great photographer, however we must not deny that Camera gear is important in many aspects like noise performance & focus speed in low light.

The best Photographer is the one who can adopt to all types of photo media, whether its a camera phone or a high end DSLR. The photographer makes the photo and not the camera. The Nikon-Canon war is nothing more than a brand marketing. To all of you who still believes that one brand is better than the other, go sell your gear and quit photography. Photography is not for you.

I have shot great stuff with my iPhone. it doesnt matter what you have, the best camera is the one you have with you.For this same reason, I have gona back to film, and I tell you, I havent had this much fun since my AE-1.

Canon vs Nikon vs anything else, how about just take photos and quit complaining about witch one is better because if you can't produce a good photo from any of the cameras regardless who made it... you have no buisness having one in the first place.

@fotoinformator dot WHATEVER...be careful with what you wish for...lol~~~more likely Sony will announce the acquisition of Nikon (okay i am exaggerting here Sony is not in a good shape either)...or maybe Canon will buy out Nikon. Every new Canon DSLR will feature a red line on a grip in the memory of a well-respected rival for the past so many years.

audijam....In your dreams....LOLCannon makes prety good copiers....Sony makes pretty good TV's....However look at most of the real photographers, the guys on the front lines of WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, and foreign correspondents the world over....look at their equipment...especially those scuffed-up and scarred SLR's and tell me how many are Nikons...LOL

@ ocir, keep on dreaming, mirror is a liability, not an advantage. The mirrorless will not doubt drive DSLRs off the market in the next few years. They are more expensive now, but the prices will inevitably go down, and then who's going to buy the outdated DSLR technology?

Nikon and Canon DSLR sales continue to increase. Nikon estimated sales of 4.7 million DSLRs in their latest fiscal year, and Canon predicts sales of 9.2 million DSLRs this year. (Source: Reuters.) The DSLR is alive and well.

@forpetessake, do you even know what you are yapping about? The more you open your mouth, the more naive you sound. If price is your only reasoning for the death of the DSLR's then you need to do more research. The best MILC can't and will never match the most basic DSLR performance-wise. Do me a favor and read up on crop factors, ISO's, ergonomics, buffer, hdr, etc...and you will realize that DSLR's will never go away. As MILC improves it's technology overtime, so will DSLR's!

use both a mirrorless and dslr first....AF speed can not be comparable...most of the times, i miss speed of DSLR AF...i used many mirrorless cameras and AF on all of them are like a turtle whereas DSLR's is a rabbit...now i'm thinking of jumping to a small dslr system just because of AF speed.

People have no idea what they are talking about. AF on mirrorless cameras might be slightly worse in low light, but a lot better in good light: it's a lot more precise and faster than most DSLRs. I have never had a bad focus or lens hunting on my Panasonic G3 and I've seen plenty of bad focus and lens hunting on Canons and Nikons before. So those claims about DSLR advantage are just laughable.

I have used a lot of DSLR camera's and own my second mirrorless now the E-M5 and I can safely say DSLR is here to stay as are mirrorless camera's just like Rangefinders and Film SLR's stayed together since the dawn of time.

They simply can't be seperated no matter how much you wish they would.

Troubling that ideology trumps observation here too often. Although rants about the 'megapixel war' are most popular posts ("24MP for entry level camera is absurd" is highest rated comment), these unfortunately don't square with the scientific and technical story of DP over last 10 years - which is that sensor (and to a lesser extent software) evolution have allowed cameras to have both higher resolution and better low light performance simultaneously. Although at any given point in time, higher pixel density sensors generally have poorer low light performance than lower density ones, there is wide spectrum of performance on this (witness LL performance of latest m4/3 sensor in the new Olympus ILC). More importantly, over time, newer (higher resolution) sensors have at least equaled, if not exceeded, the low light performance of the older generation systems. Witness the surprising low light ability of the D800 sensor, which is remarkably close to LL performance of D3 sensor.

The pixel quality of all bayer sensors is not that great. It takes somewhere between 8 and 16 sensor pixels (depending on LP filter and demosaicing algorithm) to get one well-defined output pixel. The same ratio I would use when comparing lens resolution and sensor resolution. The latter should be at least 10x higher to not hamper the lens performance. Thus if a good lens can have 2000 lph, the sensor should have at least 6000 pixel/heigh to match the lens performance. I wouldn't be surprised to see a heated race to get to 50MPixel APS and m4/3 sensors in the next 5 years before cooling off.

Hey Petessake....5-years? Really?3-years is a 'Lifetime' in photo or electronic technology...Hell, in 5-years we may have digital photo chips implanted in our foreheads, with a USB connector in our ear....LOL

As long as they can balance noise vs megapixels I celebrate more megapixels. If Noise reduction started to suffer against the megapixels then I would not be happy. But so far it seem's to balance out nicely.

No, just by simple and unscientific observation. I see a major resort park regularly as well and I'd suggest the mix seems to look closer than one might think. although the majority seems more likely to be P&Ss and camera phones, not dslrs. Especially the ease of reading the neckstraps of those unworried by the idea thieves target the biggest brands only.

I've taken gallery quality photographs with my Nikon 5200 (12.1 MP), because I always have it with me. Convenient that it has image stabilization, of course.

On the other hand, I bought my first Nikon F Photomic in 1964 with the f1.4 lens, when visiting the Olympics in Tokyo. Over the years I enjoyed various Nikon cameras, and ever an Olympus now and then.

I've loved film photography, I migrated to digital around 2000, and I still use the original Fuji S2 in my studio. However, probably because I've enjoyed painting with acrylics for years (for enjoyment, not serious sales), a digital photo is the raw material to develop and satisfy some sort of intuitive vision. Most viewers see the result as being a fine, though I may have spent hours diddling around with it. Or sometimes I'll just go on ahead and create something more artistic. I may even end up with several versions (a labor of love).

Considering my approach, the more megapixels the merrier! Creativity breaks the rules!

Now why would anyone buy this with $699 when you can get the D5100 kit for the same price (after recent cuts)? Seems like a good camera, this. Although what everyone is ranting on abt the higher megapixel bothers me. What's so bad abt more pixels??

In most cameras, more megapixels means more image noise. What ends up happening is some companies try to find that sweet spot of pixel density for each sensor size, and some just try to shove in as many as possible to impress people.

Absolutely, the DXO testing shows a wide spectrum of low light performance for a given pixel density – and more importantly shows that in the context of progressive technical development, sensor performance involves both more resolution and better low light performance. The D800 sensor is close to the low light performance of the D3 sensor. All this raises troubling questions about all the condescending comments to the effect that extra megapixels are just there to seduce stupid amateur photographers who don't even know how to shoot in raw (or similar sentiments).

Right thing to do now is to release a firmware update for D7000 that will enable use of same WU-1a unit. And YES, a simple firmware would alow use of this adapter on any of Nikons miniUSB equiped DSLR's. But something tells me that Nikon will only make it work with new 7*00 and/or with 5*00

Just three short years ago when I was buying my Nikon D40 I wouldn't have believed it was possible for an entry-level camera to have this amazing specification. Digital camera technology has advanced so quickly.

Right on 'target', and perhaps tens of thousands of sales per vendor (don't forget Ritz). Many novice and home-style camera users will find this the answer to several perceived needs. FX or not most users won't know/care. I AM a camera snob, and I may buy one (to replace my D200) as my haul-along digital to compliment my Mamiya medium format and Sinar view camera 4X5. Film below 400 speed trumps digital hands down at 8X12 and up prints. I take film for framing prints, digital to send in email. Yeah, I'm a snob.But I sure like Nikon stepping up and bringing an amazing 24MP to the masses.

It's quite obvious that the sensor is Sony. To suggest otherwise is nonsense. It is totally illogical to imagine any other scenario, especially given the fact that Nikon have used Sony made sensors in the past.

But that is not the whole picture. Nikon will have their own processor and supporting tech architecture plumbed into the sensor. As a result, I think we can expect excellent IQ.

Nikon have already demonstrated with the D800 that they can make high MP sensors produce decent noise performance. The D800 is way too close to the 5D3 in noise performance than it should be considering it has 60% more pixels. The difference is not large. This means that the extra MP comes with little sacrifice in terms of noise.

@ topstuff - Since when has the D800 been close to the 5D III in terms of noise performance...?! Some of the camera review sites that have actually completed an indepth analysis of both camera's clearly state that the 5D III is almost 2 stops better (in JPEG) in high ISO performance... RAW will somewhat narrow the gap to around 1 stop in favour of the 5D III ...

The 5D III is practically on par with the D4 in terms of high ISO performance... Check sites like cameralabs & techradar...

The D800 is not even as good as the 5D II beyond ISO 1600 in RAW... forget about competeing with the 5D III...

Nikon have specifically introduced the 24 MP chip in their lowest rung model to gauge consumer reaction to this latest high MP crammed sensor... be sure you're going to see the same pixel count in the upcomming D400 & D5200 ... just with slightly higher fps & perhaps max ISO limit of 25600...

@lensberg, have you grabbed D800 files and downsized them to 22mpx? At the same resolution the 5d mk III is outclassed by the D800. Furthermore you have more control over how much detail you have at the same resolution at higher sensitivities.

@ tkpenalty - Yes, indeed i have downsized the D800 files to an equivalent 22 MP... all that happens is that the noise artifacts get miniaturized proportionately... the level of noise is still the same but gives users the impression that its been reduced...

To use the term "outclassed"... is a very generalistic characterization and doesn't really tell the entire story... Yes the D800 resolves more detail compared to the 5D III from base till around ISO 800 after which the effects of noise & noise reduction pretty much level out the playing field and from ISO 3200 there is no doubt that the 5D III produces a superior image both in terms of noise & DR...

@ gsum - this link you've provided doesn't seem to carry out much of a professional quality test... in this particular case i'd prefer to go by reputed camera review sites such as the two i mentioned above...

@ lensberg, whininng like a true fanboy!!,have you had either camera in your hand? no, i bet you havent even seen either in real. sure at 25000 iso it´s jpegs are bit cleaner ( and mushier) because it´s actually 16000 iso, the fact is you need 2/3 slower shutterspeed to achieve the same exposure at same ISo.

only dimwits will set iso first and then the SS and Aperture.

about Fred Miranda test. it dosent matter , a fact is a fact, none of those testers at DPR or IR are any more Pros than FM either. a fact presented with evidence is a fact . why is it hard to swallow?.

yes . i have taken pics with both 5d3 and d800 and i am going the d800 way, cos there is no difference in RAW till you go 12000 iso( actually 10000 on 5d3) and nikon at same print size will be cleaner .i dont care about Jpegs (it´s not Professional enough in your openion anyway to shoot jpeg .LOL)

So what? What is the point you are trying to make?GM buys parts from KIA, they buy tires from Goodyear...Every manufacturer buys components from even their competitors...no one can do all things well and also remain competitive...These smaller vendors are the lifeblood of our economy and are the main reason we still have some employment opportunities...back a few years ago when we let our manufacturing base move offshore...we thought we could make it as a 'service society'...then along comes cheap labor in China and India...and then poof went the service base offshore as well....

Nikon's D3100 sensor was a total write off... in practice inferior to Sony's 14 MP sensor found in the NEX 5. If indeed Nikon has designed & fabricated the chip from scratch without Sony's expertise... quite honestly i wouldn't expect great things out of it...

Mediocre ISO performance... average dynamic range... colour saturation that would be questionable... levels of sharpness that err on the side of blur... video that will lack the crispness & clarity you'd get with a Canon... and "continous AF" during video capture thats just a gimmick and nothing more... well thats precisely what $699.95 will get you...

@ lensberg fanboy,now calm down , eat your biscuit , drink your milk ,stop crying no body is lying kid,why would anyone lie ? those pixel numbers are what the camera saves and their RAW software is meant to interpret ,it dosent mean the sensor is actually 24.2 Mp. it could be even 24.6 or .8 whatever.

well, nikon sensors are fab´d by various companies. and guess what, these various companies might be doing it wit Nikkon steppers. even sony.Nikon is one of the biggest stepper manufacturers out there .

Nikon designs - a fab fabricates with Nikon doing the final work on them. Chip design and fabbing are two different phases mostly done by two different companies. Bring a design, big order, and truckload of money, and IBM will make anything for you. it is just business as usual.

well, it´s clear that you are a whining canon FAN BOY kid, why are you whining about a nikon camera ?time to go with mami and see a Doctor uncle maybe .LOL

Memo to Canon: you are completely wrong in releasing the 8D with only 80MP sensor. An EOS 1200D with APS-C and 240MP will be more appropriate: it will take Nikon 10 years to get even competing the normal way in the design section or 6 months if they will get some help. But guess what, because Sony supplies of APS-C sensors & GPU will not make it for catching up in 6 months, you (Canon) will see AMD & nVidia sensors soon to be developed and produced by GF or TSMC for Nikon and, when the market segment will be "eye candy", by Intel. Then Microsoft & Apple will develop the firmware for Nikon and sell it for 500$. So, after a breakthrough deal, your camera will not be able to function without the OSs provided by M (for APS-C cameras) or A (for FF cameras), because Nikon will have exclusivity. Cool... Canon 5D Mk VIII will run on Linux. Sort of.

Don’t let the D3200’s compact size and price fool you—packed inside this easy to use HD-SLR is serious Nikon power: a 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor that excels in any light, EXPEED 3 image-processing for fast operation and creative in-camera effects, Full HD (1080p) movie recording, in-camera tutorials and much more. What does this mean for you? Simply stunning photos and videos in any setting. And now, with Nikon’s optional Wireless Mobile Adapter, you can share those masterpieces instantly with your Smartphone or tablet easily!

It's astonishing that you guys still believe that Nikon MAKES (fabricates) sensors. They don't. They give specs and design targets to the truly big technology players (mostly Sony as they clearly like Sony sensors), and then spin their design and microlens specifications into the press release that you guys are really misinterpreting. Designing a chip and making it are two radically different technology challenges. Making CMOS chips from scratch is probably a 3 billion dollar tech investment. If Nikon was MAKING chips, you'd hear about it. It's a Sony chip, with some Nikon design work and specification.

Both the Sony sensor the the Nikon sensor have identical vertical resolution, but the Nikon sensor is slightly smaller (23.2x15.4mm, vs. 23.5x15.6mm for the Sony), so the photosite pitch is by necessity smaller as well. So this is probably *not* the same sensor used in the A77.

Now Nikonian the mystery here is, why we, the users of D300 (top DX model) wait the longest time for a contemporary upgrade? I feel like having to wither and die before getting the new model. Meanwhile I even bought Canon 7D, and sold it year later, now using the D7000 and waiting, waiting, waiting for something more customary.

In short: where the heck is the D400 ?

Nothing against the D3200, seem that Nikon has resolved the pixel deficit, which surely bring them advantage with some buyers, who measure pixels first. The positive is though that these new Nikon cameras have also a great high-iso capabilities. I dropped the Canon 7D instantly once I got the D7000. Previously I always carried a Canon for the evening shots. For example the D200 was with ISO 400 already visibly in disadvantage.

The generic question here is though: With 24-36 Mpix, is the pixel race finally over? Can we focus on other novelties, like HDR, floating point raw format?

Yes, you can get better high ISO performance and video if you want to pay more. But you won't get better high ISO performance for less money than the current price of a D700.So the D700 will still be a great upgrade from the D300 or any other current ASP-C camera if you don't care about video.

I think this would be a great travel camera. Light weight, compact, cheap but sharp lenses available. I even like the red colour b/c if it get's stolen (which is quite possible in some countries) you have no problem identifying it. This might be all the camera you need for world travel.

> great travel camera that will eat up more memory than most people would wantHaha, what a bullsh$t. Get out of your cave, 1300 "large fine" JPEGs take up a single 16 Gb card which is a very common size nowadays.

I would prefer A57, because it has: in-body IS, PDAF in LiveView and video, great sensor(16mp is more than enough for almost everybody), it works with less noise(no flipping mirror), pellix mirror helps to prevent sensor from dust, and so on...

Hint to armchair camera gear nerds - using a black camera with a massive lens does not mean that people will look at you and think you look cool. Even if you had a 1dx and massive white zoom , you still don't look cool.

Pretending to be a pro? Secretly hope people seeing you may think you are a pro?

People still don't think you look cool.

Red ( or any coloured cameras ) are cool. They are cool because it means you don't care about looking serious. They are cool because some subjects tend to take you less seriously and this is useful when travelling.

The guy with the black cameras, photo vest, big bag, fast zooms. He will never be cool. I include myself in this category.

We should just face the facts. Looking like a serious photo freak is not cool.For this reason alone, coloured cameras are cool because you are telling the world that you don't care and you are just having fun.

Having long shown their high-level 12mp SLRs (D700 etc.) offer top quality images without the excesses of high MP rates, Nikon are now playing the Canon card. Megapixel Wars again? We thought these two giants had put that nonsense aside.It might be the best budget cam ever. Higher quality images? – Maybe. Many a pro will say differences between 12 and 18mp cameras are slight unless you print high-detail posters. If Nikon bring to a budget cam the quality of its 24mp D3X, okay, but I suspect this is about no more than selling the “bigger and better megapixels” charm to novices who seldom print past 8x10 and shoot on Auto, who would see no difference in their pics between this and a 12mp model. Whilst people pay, manufacturers will find increasing MP an easy route to sales. Nikon are not providing high MP at bargain price for altruistic reasons! Perhaps Nikon sees the growth of CSCs as hitting their base models and the MP card is the easiest one to play against newer technology.

More about gear in this article

Nikon has released firmware 1.04 for the D3200. This update addresses an issue with the camera's memory card slot, causing the access lamp to light for too long or the camera to give an error while accessing the memory card. Read more

Nikon has posted firmware updates for the Df, D5200 and D3200. As well as a number of minor bugs and performance issues, support has been added to the D3200 and D5200 for the new collapsible AF-S DX 18-55mm F3.5–5.6G VR II, allowing them to display an error message if the camera is turned on with the lens in its collapsed state. Read more and get the updates

Owners of some of Nikon's entry and mid-range DSLRs are reporting that a recent firmware update broke support for their third-party batteries. The firmware update for the Nikon D3200, D3100, D5100, D5200 and CoolPix P7700 cameras claimed to report remaining charge more accurately for the EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery. However, on installing the update, some owners found their third-party batteries suddenly incompatible.

The holidays are a great time to take pictures — and they're a great time to get a camera for yourself or for a loved one. With more than 50 cameras going through the hands of the DPReview team over the year, we've seen it all (or so we think). Based on our collective knowledge we hope this guide will help you make an informed decision on which camera will fit your needs. In this final part, we look at entry-level mirrorless cameras

The holidays are a great time to take pictures — and they're a great time to get a camera for yourself or for a loved one. With more than 50 cameras going through the hands of the DPReview team over the year, we've seen it all (or so we think). Based on our collective knowledge we hope this guide will help you make an informed decision on which camera will fit your needs. In this penultimate part, we look at consumer-level DSLRs.

Latest in-depth reviews

The Leica Q2 is an impressively capable fixed-lens, full-frame camera with a 47MP sensor and a sharp, stabilized 28mm F1.7 Summilux lens. It's styled like a traditional Leica M rangefinder and brings a host of updates to the hugely popular original Leica Q (Typ 116) that was launched in 2015.

The Edelkrone DollyONE is an app-controlled, motorized flat surface camera dolly. The FlexTILT Head 2 is a lightweight head that extends, tilts and pans. They aren't cheap, but when combined these two products provide easy camera mounting, re-positioning and movement either for video work or time lapse photography.

Are you searching for the best image quality in the smallest package? Well, the GR III has a modern 24MP APS-C sensor paired with an incredibly sharp lens and fits into a shirt pocket. But it's not without its caveats, so read our full review to get the low-down on Ricoh's powerful new compact.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X is the ultimate sports, action and wildlife camera for professional Micro Four Thirds users. However, it can't quite match the level of AF reliability offered by its full frame competitors.

Latest buying guides

What's the best camera for under $500? These entry level cameras should be easy to use, offer good image quality and easily connect with a smartphone for sharing. In this buying guide we've rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing less than $500 and recommended the best.

What’s the best camera costing over $2000? The best high-end camera costing more than $2000 should have plenty of resolution, exceptional build quality, good 4K video capture and top-notch autofocus for advanced and professional users. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing over $2000 and recommended the best.

What's the best camera for shooting sports and action? Fast continuous shooting, reliable autofocus and great battery life are just three of the most important factors. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting sports and action, and recommended the best.

What’s the best camera for less than $1000? The best cameras for under $1000 should have good ergonomics and controls, great image quality and be capture high-quality video. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing under $1000 and recommended the best.

If you're looking for a high-quality camera, you don't need to spend a ton of cash, nor do you need to buy the latest and greatest new product on the market. In our latest buying guide we've selected some cameras that while they're a bit older, still offer a lot of bang for the buck.

We've updated our waterproof camera buying guide with the latest round of rugged compacts, and we've crowned a new winner as the best pick in the category: the Olympus TG-6. That is, unless you happen to find a good deal on the TG-5.

Researchers with the Samsung AI Center in Moscow and the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology have created a system that transforms still images into talking portraits with as little as a single image.

K&R Photographics, a camera store in Crescent Springs, Kentucky, was robbed by armed men, who not only took thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment, but also injured the 70-year-old co-owner of the store.

The new Fujifilm GFX 100 boasts some impressive specifications, including 100MP, in-body stabilization and 4K video. But what's it like to shoot with? Senior Editor Barnaby Britton found out on a recent trip to Florence, Italy.

It's here! The long-awaited next-generation Fujifilm GFX has been officially launched. Click through to learn more about the camera that Fujifilm is hoping will shake up the pro photography market - the GFX100.

We've known about the Fujifilm GFX 100 since last fall, but now it's official: this 102MP medium-format monster will be available at the end of June for $10,000. In addition to its incredible resolution, the camera also has in-body IS, a hybrid AF system, 4K video and a removable EVF.

According to DJI, any drone model weighing over 250 grams will have AirSense Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) receivers installed to help drone operators know when planes and helicopters are nearby.

Chris and Jordan are kicking off a new segment in which they make feature suggestions to manufacturers for the benefit of all photographer-kind. To start things off, they take a look at the humble USB-C port and everything it could be doing for us.

The Olympus TG-5 is one of our favorite waterproof cameras, and the company today introduced the TG-6, a relatively low-key update. New features include the addition of an anti-reflective coating on the sensor, a higher-res LCD, and more underwater and macro modes.

The Leica Q2 is an impressively capable fixed-lens, full-frame camera with a 47MP sensor and a sharp, stabilized 28mm F1.7 Summilux lens. It's styled like a traditional Leica M rangefinder and brings a host of updates to the hugely popular original Leica Q (Typ 116) that was launched in 2015.

We've been playing around with a prototype of the new Peak Design Travel Tripod and are impressed so far: it's incredibly compact, fast to deploy and stable enough for the heaviest bodies. However, the price may turn some away.